Category: Nextion Display

Ian KD8CEC has released version 1.1 of his CEC firmware. This the first major release since Beta version 1.097. He has also released new versions of uBITx Manager (for Windows) and Nextion screen firmware.

Version 1.1 includes all additions or improvements from the last non-Beta release version 1.08. This includes features and bug fixes addressed in Beta versions 1.09, 1.093, 1.095, and 1.097. No further changes have been made to the Version 1.097 Beta version.

You do not need to upgrade if you are using Version 1.097. This is the version with only the version number changed.

Major Changes since the last official release

The firmware supports additional features for the Nextion and TJC LCDs

Nextion LCD or TJC LCD’s GUI have not changes since the 1.097 (Beta) distribution. If you are using a different GUI that is customized by other helpful developers, you should not need to upgrade the firmware. Some screen sizes are still not supported in ver 1.097 (and therefore in version 1.1).

With each new releases of the CEC firmware and CEC Nextion firmware, Ian KD8CEC provides constructors with 2.4″ and 2.8″ versions of the NExtion firmware. Meanwhile, a bunch of other Nextion screen users eagerly await adjustments to the firmware that will work with their particular screen size (3.2″, 3.5″, 4.3″, 5″ or 7″). Adjustments have to be made for each screen size.

Darren VE3XLT has helpfully converted the current beta for the larger 3.2″ screen.

Ian KD8CEC, in his third article on using a second arduino with the µBITx, demonstrates the signal scope feature made possible with having a dedicated ardunio nano connected to the main Raduino control processor via i2c lines.

The signal scope shows a section of the band surrounding the currently tuned frequency IN REAL TIME. The nano and the serial connections to the Nextion doesn’t have the agility to provide a full blown waterfall display, but a real time display of signals around where you are currently tuned is still pretty impressive.

The other feature that is present in the Nextion display version of this arduino add-on, is a CW decode function.

Ian KD8CEC has now given us part 2 of his description of the latest firmware update (v1.097). If you have a Nextion display, and add a second arduino you can have a higher quality s-meter and multi-band signal monitor on your µBITx.

The second arduino echos information in one direction from the main raduino via the i2c serial channel which is faster than via serial port. It uses a dedicated serial port to output the signal again, potentially making the sampling faster for taking signal strength readings. It will be interesting to see what effect this has in practice.

Björn PD5DJ used his Nextion screen on previous projects, and this changed the fixed baud rate programmed into the unit. If your Nextion screen was used previously for other projects you may have the same issue.

This problem was fixed by placing the command “bauds=9600” on page 0 in the Preinitialize Event panel.